Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the disbelief of the mourners, highlighting the importance of faith in the miraculous works of Jesus. He interprets the scene as a strong condemnation of a lack of faith, as Jesus dismisses those who mocked His ability to heal and restore life.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes focuses on the reaction of the people, observing that laughter is often a manifestation of skepticism toward the divine power of Jesus. He points out how Jesus overcomes doubt by directly addressing the situation, signifying the authority He holds over life and death.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke delves into the emotional aspects of the verse, particularly the grief and desperation of the parents. He notes how Jesus' actions serve as a comforting response to their sorrow while underlining the necessity of faith, as only those who believe are allowed to witness the miracle.

Thematic Connections

This verse underscores several themes including:

• Faith vs. Doubt: The laughter of the mourners contrasts with the faith required to witness Jesus' miracles.
• The Authority of Christ: Jesus’ ability to perform miracles speaks to His divine nature and authority over life.
• Compassion in Grief: Jesus' actions reflect His compassionate response to human suffering and distress.

Cross-References for Mark 5:40

Numerous other Bible verses relate to the themes encapsulated in Mark 5:40. Here are 10 significant cross-references:

• Luke 8:52-53: Discusses the same incident and reflects on the disbelief of the crowd.
• Matthew 9:24: Similar account showcasing Jesus’ authority over death.
• John 11:25-26: Jesus declares Himself the resurrection and the life.
• James 1:6: Emphasizes the importance of faith, tying into the dismissal of doubt.
• Hebrews 11:1: Defines faith, relating the expectation of prayer and trust in God.
• Mark 6:6: Jesus’ own experience with disbelief in His hometown, paralleling the reactions in Mark 5:40.
• Matthew 17:20: Highlights the power of faith, even as small as a mustard seed.
• 2 Corinthians 5:7: Discusses walking by faith, akin to Jesus’ encouragement to His followers.
• John 9:1-3: Discusses the purpose of divine actions amidst suffering.
• Revelation 21:4: Promises a future without death, echoing the theme of life restored in Mark 5:40.

Importance of Cross-Referencing

Cross-referencing Bible verses is crucial for several reasons:

• It allows for deeper understanding of biblical texts through thematic connections.
• Identifying parallels enhances comprehension of Jesus' mission and character.
• Utilizes tools for Bible cross-referencing to bridge concepts across the Testaments.

Using a Bible Concordance Effectively

To explore the connections between Bible verses, consider using:

• Bible Concordances: Locate verses by key terms related to "faith," "authority," and "miracles."
• Bible Reference Resources: Utilize reference materials that highlight thematic connections and parallels.
• Cross-Reference Guides: Find specific cross-references to develop sermon preparation or personal study.

Conclusion

Mark 5:40 encapsulates the interplay between faith and skepticism in the presence of divine authority. The accompanying commentaries from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke provide valuable insights that deepen our understanding of this passage. By utilizing biblical cross-references, believers can enrich their study of scripture, allowing inter-Biblical dialogue to illuminate themes prevalent throughout the Bible.